Digital Islamic Humanities

Digital Islamic Humanities

Futures Studies of Islamic Historical Research in the Context of Digital Humanities

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Eftekhar Gasemzadeh
Graduate Master, Department of History of Culture and Civilization of Islamic Nations, Faculty of Islamic Sciences and Research Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.
10.22034/disah.2026.2084154.1066
Abstract
Paradigmatic transformations driven by digital technologies have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of the humanities, particularly Islamic historical studies. Adopting a futures-oriented approach, this study provides a multidimensional and in-depth analysis of the synergy between Islamic historical studies and digital humanities. The research focuses on the transformative capacities of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, natural language processing, and the systematic digitization of historical documents and written heritage. These technologies enable new interpretations and critical analyses of Islamic history. The central objective of this research is to identify and analyze the capacities of digital humanities to bring about a paradigmatic shift in the methodology of Islamic historical research and to outline potential future scenarios for this field. Using a descriptive–analytical method and critical examination of documents, existing data, and previous studies, the research evaluates the role of emerging technologies in enhancing and rethinking research methodologies in Islamic historiography. The findings demonstrate that integrating digital tools with Islamic historical studies not only accelerates and improves the accuracy of analyzing complex and large-scale datasets but also enables intelligent data retrieval, advanced documentation of sources, and the presentation of alternative and multi-perspective historical narratives based on analytical algorithms. However, challenges such as large-scale validation of digital data, identification and control of algorithmic biases, and epistemological and methodological limitations resulting from digitization require further examination and innovative solutions. This study emphasizes the necessity of developing comprehensive and interactive digital platforms and strengthening strategic and interdisciplinary collaboration among historians, data scientists, and information technology specialists. To enhance the depth and quality of Islamic historical studies, the implementation of intelligent data mining systems, dynamic and standardized digital archives, and adaptive and predictive futures-oriented models is recommended. Ultimately, this research provides practical, evidence-based pathways for the optimal use of modern technologies in the revitalization, critical interpretation, and sustainable development of Islamic historiography.
Keywords
Futures Studies
Digital Humanities
Islamic Historiography
Artificial Intelligence
Big Data Analytics
Digitization of Historical Documents
Natural Language Processing
Digital Hermeneutics
Historical Methodology
 
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Digital Islamic Humanities
Volume 1, Issue 2
November 2025